Boehner and the Tea Party

Republicans are facing a divided membership and are dealing with it badly.

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There was ample opportunity to acknowledge some of the Tea Party's principles and concerns. Instead, Speaker Boehner chose to attack conservatives. That is an interesting and ill-conceived strategy that will result in handing the Democrats many more wins. There are many, many areas of agreement between the Tea Party and the Republican establishment. And there have been lost opportunities to expand on those areas. But the media, ably assisted by the Republican party, are dividing conservatives and moderates even further. Don't buy the hype. Tea Partiers are only looking to be in the game and the Republicans won't invite them. So whose fault is that? As for the Boehner attack? True leaders work to be inclusive. True leaders accept the winds of change. True leaders are respectful of the ideas and concerns of all. True leaders listen to all sides. True leaders nurture open minds. True leaders don't cling to old ways. True leaders bring people together, not drive them apart. John Boehner is no leader. Mrs. Carolyn M. Brown